Advanced Injectable Treatment
Do you find you expose your gums too much when smiling?
This is a condition commonly known as ‘gummy smile’ and referred to by dentists and aestheticians as ‘excessive gingival display’. It affects confidence in many people, but it’s a shame to hide your joy or be embarrassed to laugh. It can also have an impact on mood. Being more reserved or practising a low-key smile can actually make you appear less happy, fun or spontaneous. What’s more, psychologists have advised that smiling has a cyclical effect in that smiling more makes you feel happier, so that in turn you smile more. Repressing smiles can break this important cycle.
The good news is that advanced cosmetic injections can help.
What is gummy smile?
Dentists generally advise that 2mm or less display of gums when smiling is optimum for aesthetics. Some people naturally don’t display any gum at all. Yet for others, it could be quite a lot more. Anything above 4mm appears noticeably different to the normal or average and exposes not just the immediate gum area but the upper gum too. While a gummy smile is not a medical condition and does not pose a health risk, it can affect a person’s self-confidence and may lead them to feel self-conscious about their smile.
Causes of a Gummy Smile
Several factors can contribute to the appearance of a gummy smile, often in combination. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for determining the most effective treatment.
- Hyperactive Upper Lip Muscles: This is one of the most common causes. The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle, which lifts the upper lip, can be hyperactive, causing the lip to rise too high and reveal an excessive amount of gum tissue when a person smiles.
- Abnormal Tooth Eruption: Sometimes, the teeth may appear short because they have not fully erupted from the gums, leaving a portion of the tooth still covered by gum tissue. This condition is known as altered passive eruption.
- Gingival Hypertrophy: This refers to an overgrowth of gum tissue. It can be caused by various factors, including genetics, certain medications (like some blood pressure medications and anti-seizure drugs), and poor oral hygiene.
- Skeletal Issues: The position of the jawbone can also be a factor. A jawbone that is positioned too far forward (maxillary protrusion) or a short upper lip can both lead to a gummy smile.
- Small Teeth: Teeth that are naturally smaller than average can create a disproportionate look, where the gums appear more prominent in comparison.
Gummy Smile Treatments
Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to address a gummy smile, ranging from non-surgical options to more permanent surgical procedures. The choice of treatment depends heavily on the cause and severity of the condition.
Non-Surgical Gummy Smile Treatments
- Botox for Gummy Smile:
- This is a popular, non-invasive treatment, particularly effective for gummy smiles caused by hyperactive upper lip muscles (the most common cause of excessive gum display.
- A small amount of botulinum toxin (Botox) is injected into the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip. The Botox temporarily relaxes these muscles, preventing the lip from rising too high and effectively reducing the amount of gum tissue visible when smiling.
- The procedure is quick, with minimal discomfort, and the results typically last for 3 to 6 months, after which repeat injections are needed to maintain the effect.
This procedure can make a difference in the majority of gummy smile cases. It is available with advanced Botox practitioners, including former GP, clinic founder and Medical Director, Dr John Tanqueray, MB BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DipOccMed BCAM at Mulberry House Clinic based in Northamptonshire. Start by booking a consultation and assessment so that the best course of treatment can be advised.
Surgical Gummy Smile Treatments
Depending on the cause of excessive gum display, it may be more a dental or maxillofacial. These treatments are certainly more invasive than the injectable approach, but for full information the options that may be offered include:
- Laser Gingivectomy (Gum Contouring): This procedure is ideal for gummy smiles caused by excess gum tissue covering the teeth (altered passive eruption). Using a precision dental laser, a dentist can reshape and remove the excess gum tissue to expose more of the natural tooth surface. This creates a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing gum line. The procedure is relatively quick, minimally invasive, and the recovery time is short.
- Orthodontic Treatment: For gummy smiles linked to minor skeletal issues or teeth positioning, braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign) can be an effective solution. Orthodontic treatment can help to intrude the front teeth, moving them further up into the jawbone to reduce gum visibility.
- Crown Lengthening Surgery: This is a more involved surgical procedure for cases of severe gingival hypertrophy or altered passive eruption. It involves the removal of both gum tissue and a small amount of bone around the teeth to permanently expose more of the tooth structure. This treatment provides a long-lasting solution and is often performed by a periodontist.
- Surgical Lip Repositioning: This procedure is for severe cases of hyperactive upper lip muscles or a short upper lip. It involves a surgical procedure to reposition the lip to a lower, more aesthetically pleasing position. It is a permanent solution but is more invasive than Botox.
- Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery): For gummy smiles caused by significant skeletal abnormalities, such as a prominent upper jaw, jaw surgery may be the only permanent solution. This is a major surgery performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to reposition the jawbone.
A consultation with a cosmetic dentist, orthodontist, or periodontist would be the to determine the cause of your gummy smile and to develop a personalised treatment plan that is right for you.
Trusted BOTOX & Dermal Fillers Providers
Mulberry House Clinic, Established 2003
Dr John Tanqueray MB BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DipOccMed BCAM, former GP and founder of Mulberry House Clinic, has over 20 years of experience in the non-surgical treatments industry and has provided thousands of successful treatments over the years. He has also worked as a trainer, helping other medical professionals to learn the skills and best practice in cosmetic treatments. He works alongside top brand manufacturers on the latest new products.
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with vast experience of the industry. Cosmetic skin treatments are carried out by Dr John Tanqueray, who works closely with leading manufacturers to remain at the forefront of the medical aesthetics.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
